Twenty years ago, the fullback was considered a dying position in the NFL. Yet, there has been a faction of coaches who have kept the position alive, Jon Gruden among them.
Still, it would be inaccurate to say there has been a full-blown fullback revival invoking memories of the golden age of the 1970s NFL. Yet, there are enough teams that use a fullback that it gives hope for a long-term survival of the position.
The below tweet from top NFL analytical mind Warren Sharp offers insight as to why the fullback is so important to some coaches — including Gruden — and why second-year player Alec Ingold is a vital part of the Raiders’ playbook:
Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, is considered one of the brightest, young offensive minds in the NFL.